Laserfiche WebLink
34. Response to Comments on the Draft AUAR Document <br />The final AUAR document must include a section specifically responding to each <br />timely and substantive comment on the draft that indicates the way in which the <br />comment has been addressed. Similar comments may be combined for the <br />purposes of responding. <br />Criteria for Response <br />Minnesota Rules 4410.3610, subpart 5(B) states that: <br />"Comments must address the accuracy and completeness of the information <br />provided in the draft analysis, potential impacts that warrant further analysis, further <br />information that may be required in order to secure permits for specific projects in the <br />future, and mitigation measures or procedures necessary to prevent significant <br />environmental impacts within the area when actual development occurs." <br />Item 34 will contain all of the comments that meet these criteria, and the response to <br />address the comment. Comments are grouped by topic, and may reflect more than one <br />input. <br />Comment #1. Vibrations and noise levels from trains need to be assessed. Received <br />from: Eric Zaetsch, citizen. <br />Response. The traffic on the railroad is not the result of development action at RTC, but <br />rather a pre-existing condition. Noise and vibration levels that currently exist will not <br />change as a result of this development. The development of the North Star commuter rail <br />has not been confirmed at this time, so the addition of rail traffic serving the commuter <br />rail cannot be determined. <br />The preliminary design (Figure 6.1) shows that the land uses along the rail tracks are not <br />planned to be residential. The mixed use (Category 3) section will place the non- <br />residential component closest to the tracks, and the residential component further to the <br />north, buffered by the other uses. It is also the intent of the developer to sound -proof any <br />of the new buildings, as needed. The movie theater, for example, would be a prime use <br />in need of sound -proofing. <br />The issue of vibration on building structures is addressed in a new section (Vibration) <br />added within Item 24 - Dust, Odor and Noise. <br />Comment #2. During the official review period, Metropolitan Council Environmental <br />Services (MCES) asked that Item 18 be changed to reflect only on the RTC site itself, <br />and not additional areas served by on -site systems. (See also Comments 4 and 12.7) <br />Response. NAWE revised Item 18 and Appendix G. Both sections will be distributed <br />with the response to Comments. <br />34-1 <br />